Risk Factors for CHF

While anyone can get Congestive Heart Failure, certain people have a higher risk of getting the disease than others. People with risk factors can change their lifestyle to decrease their chances of getting CHF. Below are some of the common risk factors for CHF.

Agewise, CHF ususally occurs in people over the age of 65. In fact, CHF is the most frequent cause of hospitalization for people over 65.

Excess drinking, smoking, and the use of anabolic steroids are common risk factors for CHF.

Hypertension, (high blood pressure), coronary artery disease, diabetes, obesity, hyperthyroidism, severe emphysema, and previous history of heart disease are all risk factors for CHF.

Men have a higher risk of getting CHF than women. However, this raised risk is very small and both men and women do get CHF.

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